Radio Atlantic, IA – AM 1220

Arrest made in Coon Rapids death investigation

September 8th, 2011 by Ric Hanson

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety reported late Wednesday night, that an arrest has been made in connection with the death over the weekend, of a Coon Rapids man. 21-year old Travis Jeffrey Barker of Coon Rapids, was taken into custody Wednesday evening, on a charge of Murder in the First Degree, in connection with the death of 28-year old William Smith on Sunday, September 4th. Barker’s bond has been set in the amount of $1,000,000.00. He is currently in custody at the Carroll County Jail awaiting an appearance before a magistrate.

Officials say police and paramedics were called to a residence in Coon Rapids at atround 1-p.m. Saturday, for a man that was involved in an altercation. The man was identified as 28 year old William Smith. Smith was taken to St. Anthony Regional Medical Center in Carroll for treatment and later flown to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Smith was pronounced dead late Sunday afternoon, September 4, 2011. The cause of death was determined to be due to an epidural hematoma. William Smith and Travis Barker were roommates.

The Coon Rapids Police Department is being assisted by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Polk County Medical Examiner’s Office.